Tinubu issues directive
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Government to redesign and fully reconstruct the Benin-Agbor-Asaba road and other major federal highways in Edo State and nearby areas, following growing concerns over the poor condition of the roads and their effect on commuters, businesses and transport operators.
The directive was given as the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inspected the badly damaged Benin-Agbor-Asaba highway in Edo State on Tuesday.
At the same time, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, visited troubled federal roads in Ekiti State to assess the difficulties facing motorists and residents.
The Benin-Agbor-Asaba road has suffered severe deterioration, with motorists facing long delays, higher fuel expenses, frequent vehicle repairs and difficulties moving goods and passengers.
Although the heavy traffic recorded on the route in recent weeks had reduced when the inspection took place, several parts of the road remained in poor condition.
Umahi apologised to road users and accepted responsibility on behalf of the ministry for the problems associated with the highway.
He also criticised the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concessions Company, which was contracted to reconstruct and expand the road.
The company received the concession in 2025 for the expansion of the highway from four lanes to 10 lanes.
However, the project has faced delays and complaints over the way some sections were handled.
Umahi said the existing condition of the road could not be solved through temporary repairs alone.
He directed the ministry to begin plans for a complete reconstruction and redesign of roads stretching from Kogi to Warri and around Edo State.
The minister also questioned the competence of the concessionaire and accused the company of removing asphalt from the existing road without properly putting measures in place to protect motorists.
He said the government would consider bringing in other competent contractors to restore badly damaged sections.
The Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire, Samuel Daramola, attributed some of the difficulties to heavy rainfall and the large volume of vehicles using the road.
He explained that the company had been carrying out temporary repairs but had struggled to construct drainage systems while keeping the highway open to traffic.
The project consultant’s representative, Toyin Akinlapa, however, said the contractor did not follow instructions to construct drainage channels before proceeding with other aspects of the work.
According to him, the failure to follow the recommended process contributed to the deterioration of the road.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, called for a review of road concession agreements to prevent similar problems in future.
He said motorists should not be left to suffer while contractors struggle to meet their obligations.
